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This compelling narrative goes behind the scenes with important living artists around the world to humanize and demystify contemporary art.

When people think of contemporary art they often think of the market: eye-poppingprices for splashy works. But Sarah Thornton argues that, for artists, the key markerof success isn’t money but credibility. 33 Artists in 3 Acts explores the strategies deployed by artists from international superstars to unheralded teachers. Thornton challenges the romantic vision of the lone artist, showing how these driven, inventivepersonalities interact with professional and intellectual networks of supporters, collaborators, and assistants. Drawing from interviews with 130 artists on four continents, Thornton crafts a brilliantly structured narrative that reveals the dynamicsof creative lives.

About The Author

Sarah Thornton's Seven Days in the Art World was named one of the best art books of the year by the New York Times and is available in sixteen languages. She was the chief writer on contemporary art for the Economist. She holds a BA in art history and a PhD in sociology.

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Editorial Reviews

Another art world page turner. — Globe and MailA masterful picture of 33 artists, keenly bringing details of their lives to the surface with a skilled hand…With effortless sophistication, Thornton takes readers on a journey across the globe and into the homes and minds of contemporary artists. In the process, she banishes cynicism about modern art, revealing it to be a volatile, healthy enterprise still deeply engaged with the world. — Publishers Weekly, Starred reviewWill startle even art-world insiders. — San Francisco Chronicle[T]he Jane Goodall of the art world — Washington PostHow can one be a real artist in the real world? Thornton sets off to find out, meeting and debating with many of the most important artists around the globe. Credibility, integrity, legitimacy, recognition and truth in art are all tackled here. While the basis of the book is contemporary art, the themes are of universal interest. — The BooksellerEngaging and ingenious. — The New StatesmanA vivid and entertaining read…Thornton meets some interesting artists and her direction can be playful. Her interviews with Andrea Fraser stand out, as do all her meetings with Ai Weiwei. — The GuardianThornton nails some wonderful portraits of the people that, well, do wonderful portraits. These characters are no longer creators of icons but icons themselves and Thornton is in the front pew—but taking notes, not praying at all. — MonocleInspiring—as unique as each of the artists featured. — Carolina A. Miranda (Los Angeles Times)A readable, approachable introduction to the rock stars of [contemporary art] and their work. — Kevin O’Kelly (Christian Science Monitor)